Kinematic MRI Assessment of McConnell Taping before and after Exercise

Background: The authors assessed the effectiveness of McConnell medial glide taping after exercise using an MRI extremity scanner. Hypothesis: McConnell taping would not be effective in maintaining medial glide of the patella after exercise. Methods: Eighteen healthy women (mean age 22.28 ± 2.02 years) participated in the study. The patellofemoral joint was imaged at 4 knee flexion angles (0°, 12°, 24°, and 36°) in 3 conditions (no tape, with McConnell taping-medial glide, and with tape after exercise). Effectiveness was determined by measuring lateral patellar displacement. ANOVA and post hoc paired t tests were used to test for changes in lateral patellar displacement at each knee angle and condition. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lateral patellar displacement at all test angles, between the tape and no tape and between tape and tape after exercise conditions. Conclusions: McConnell medial glide taping resulted in significant medial glide of the patellofemoral joint at all 4 knee angles before but not after exercise. However, McConnell medial glide taping may be effective under controlled rehabilitation conditions in which exercise is less intense. Clinical Relevance: Beneficial effects of McConnell medial glide taping may be related to factors other than altered patellar alignment.